Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
A Toxic relationship and Fake love looks real—until it destroys you.
Welcome to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, the podcast that exposes the hidden dynamics of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, and emotional manipulation. Hosted by Nova Gibson, leading trauma-informed counsellor and Director of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling, this podcast is your guide to breaking free from the confusion, fear, and self-doubt that come with being entangled with a narcissist.
In every episode, Nova draws from years of experience working with survivors to explore the complex, often covert tactics used in emotionally abusive relationships—from gaslighting, triangulation, and the silent treatment to smear campaigns and intermittent reinforcement.
Whether you're struggling with a narcissistic partner, parent, boss, or friend, Fake Love and Flying Monkeys gives you the tools and knowledge to understand the abuse, trust your instincts, and reclaim your power—even if the narcissist has never been formally diagnosed.
This is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline.
You’ll get:
Clear explanations of narcissistic behaviour patterns
Practical strategies for setting boundaries and detaching
Real talk about the emotional rollercoaster of trauma bonding
Validation, clarity, and a path toward healing from narcissistic abuse
If you've ever felt trapped in a relationship that chips away at your self-worth, this podcast will help you name it, face it, and finally break free.
You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. You’re in the fog of narcissistic abuse—and Nova is here to help guide you out.
Visit https://www.brighteroutlooknarcissisticabusecounselling.com.au/
for more support and resources.
It’s time to expose the fake love, silence the flying monkeys, and rewrite your story.
Episodes
170 episodes
Why You Keep Loving the Wrong People
Why do smart, empathic people keep ending up in emotionally painful relationships?In this first episode of 2026, I unpack why loving the wrong people isn’t a flaw — it’s conditioning.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own t...
When Narcissistic Abuse and Coercive Control Turn Dangerous
Trigger warning: Abuse doesn’t always start with obvious violence — it often begins with intimidation, manipulation, and control. The slammed fist into the wall beside your head, a plate hurled that just misses, your car blocked in so you can’t...
The Narcissist’s Breaking Point: When You’re Gone for Good
For a narcissist, the most terrifying moment isn’t when you argue, fight, or even walk out the door. Their real breaking point comes when they finally realise you are never coming back.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic rel...
Covert Narcissist Friends: There's never just ONE narcissist Around You!
Ever wondered why some friendships leave you feeling drained, anxious, or doubting yourself? It might not be you — it could be a covert narcissist hiding in plain sight. In this episode, we dive into the subtle but serious dangers of having a c...
You Might Be in a Narcissistic Relationship If..…
Ever find yourself constantly second-guessing your reality, apologising for things you didn’t do, or walking on eggshells to avoid someone’s anger? These are not just “relationship problems” — they may be signs you’re caught in the cycle of nar...
The Black Widow Female Narcissist: Why She Emasculates Her Victim
The female narcissist is often compared to a black widow spider — alluring, seductive, and deadly to her prey. In relationships, her weapon of choice is emasculation. She strips her victim of confidence, ridicules his masculinity, and weaves a ...
Behind the Perfect Mask of the Narcissistic Family
To outsiders, narcissistic families often appear flawless—supportive parents, successful children, and a picture-perfect life. Yet beneath the surface lies manipulation, control, and emotional abuse that remain hidden from the public eye. ...
Covert Narcissist Texting Mind Games
What do you do when the narcissist’s texts flip between “I love you” and radio silence? In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I break down the real meaning behind their late-night messages, sudden love bombs, ghosting tactics, and ma...
Narcissistic Rage Exposed: Why They Explode
Ever been hit with anger that comes out of nowhere — and somehow leaves you questioning yourself?In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive into narcissistic rage: what it really is, why narcissists explode over seemingly “n...
When the Narcissist Says 'Let’s be Friends': What They Really Mean
Have you ever had a narcissist in your life say, “Let’s be friends” after a breakup or fallout? In this episode, we dive deep into what they really mean, why it’s not about genuine friendship, and how these manipulative words keep you trapped i...
6 Things Narcissists Tell Others About You Behind Your Back
Struggling with narcissistic abuse? Learn the 6 damaging lies narcissists tell others behind your back to manipulate, isolate, and control the narrative.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse rec...
Life After Narcissistic Abuse: Living with CPTSD P/2
If you’ve been wondering why healing feels like a rollercoaster, why your body stays on high alert long after the abuse ends, or why everyday moments can trigger intense emotional reactions, this episode is for you.(For 1 on 1 onli...
7 Common Triggers After Emotional Abuse: Is it CPTSD? P/1
If you're still feeling anxious, jumpy, or emotionally raw long after leaving a narcissistic relationship, you're not alone.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website...
Why the Covert Narcissist Always Looks Like They Won
Ever feel like the narcissist got away with everything while you were left to pick up the pieces? (For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://bright...
The Super Empath: A Narcissist’s Greatest Fear
Why does the narcissist feel so threatened by the person they once love-bombed, idealised, and tried to control?(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps...
7 Delusions All Narcissists Believe (And Why It’s Crazy-Making!)
Do narcissists actually believe the stuff they say? (For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling...
When the Narcissist Knows You Know: And Panics!
What really happens when the narcissist loses control of you, and realises their grip on you is gone?(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://brighter...
The Covert Narcissist’s Favourite Fake Apology — Exposed
Ever had someone say, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” and leave you feeling more dismissed than understood? If so, you might have just encountered one of the covert narcissist’s most manipulative tactics in action.(For 1 on 1 online couns...
Narcissism at Home, Work and Everywhere else: Spot the signs
Think it's just romantic partners who can be narcissistic? Think again.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/onli...
The Flying Monkey Friend: Sweet Face, Toxic Intentions
Ever had a “friend” who seems supportive, checks in on you sweetly… and then somehow everything you say magically makes its way back to the narcissist? Yep—that’s the flying monkey friend. (For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own ...
Workplace Narcissists: Charmers in Public, Bullies in Private
They act like your best friend in the meeting... and your worst nightmare behind closed doors.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://brighteroutlook...
Narcissist Says YOU'RE the toxic Abuser!
Have you been blamed for the very abuse you endured? Did the narcissist tell everyone you were the toxic one—while playing the victim themselves?(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery pl...
Covert Narcissist Returns After Ghosting: What You Need to Know
They ghost you, block you, abuse you—then pop up like nothing ever happened. Why?(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website athttps://brighteroutlookcounselling.c...
When a Narcissist Turns Your Kids Against You
What happens when the narcissist doesn’t just come after you—but starts poisoning your child’s mind against you? And worse—what happens when the court system believes it’s your fault.(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relat...
Why Covert Narcissists Can’t Stand Your Happiness and Confidence
Have you ever noticed how the narcissist in your life seems to get annoyed—or even angry—when you’re finally doing well? When you’re smiling, thriving, feeling peaceful... they suddenly go cold, start a fight, or make a snarky comment that suck...